AN EVENING OF SHAKESPEARE

Hi! I’m back.

We just successfully wrapped An Evening of Shakespeare—a scene night performance at the end of our annual arts outreach program with Talent Unlimited High School (TUHS) in Manhattan.

I direct this after-school program each year, and it always starts with a few grant applications I submit to the New York City Council and DCLA. Once we’re approved, I start planning, and work with TUHS drama teacher Ted Nusbaum to create a sign-up sheet and schedule. We have to cap the numbers at 20-24 students so that we have enough time to work in depth with each one, and so that the final performance doesn’t last too long with all of the scenes. While at TU, along with directing the scenes, we also teach voice and diction, help students understand Shakespeare’s heightened language, and guide them as they discover deeper aspects of their characters.

Rehearsals are always at TUHS on the Upper East Side in the classrooms and Black Box, and the final performance of the scenes are on the Broadway stage at Circle in the Square Theatre. We have one day prior to the show at Circle for the students to try on/fit costumes, then do a dress tech rehearsal on the stage.

During the planning process, I stay in tight communication with our COO of the Theatre and Theatre School, and School Artistic Director so that we find times when the current Broadway show and other School events running at Circle don’t interfere with our tech and performance and vice-versa. It’s not an easy task to share one Broadway stage (and also plan all blocking, entrances, and exits around the current Broadway stage setup that changes for each production), but we find a way each year thanks to the support of all involved.

Before the first rehearsal, I find a teaching artist to work with me, so that we can split the kids into two groups for more efficiency, especially since TU wants each student to only rehearse one day per week. When we rehearse twice a week, it’s with different scenes and students. For the past two years I’ve chosen Gretchen Schneider (actor, teaching artist, and fellow Circle in the Square alum) to work with me. We get along well, and she’s a passionate and talented scene director.

Gretchen directed half of the scenes with half of the kids, and I directed the other half. We met often to discuss scenes, ideas, and the progress and wellbeing of each student. Gretchen is also savvy and assiduous with costumes and props, and I’m grateful to her for her artistic contribution.

With some referrals from our Artistic Director, I also hired a Costume Designer, Assistant Costume Designer, Stage Manager, Lighting and Sound Designer; and each year I choose a TUHS student to be our Production Assistant to learn about theatre production, help our SM carry large set pieces on and off stage between scenes, and receive the deserved program credit.

Each year I create the program (before our Designer makes it pretty), and write a script that includes all scenes, with added sound and light cues for our Lighting and Sound Designer, plus descriptions before each scene that Gretchen and I narrate to the audience setting up the events that are about to take place.

Everyone did a fantastic job during the performance. Shakespeare is not easy for any student, especially while finding the emotional depth and expression of each character to play them honestly. Our young actors had the interest and courage to confront this challenge, which brings me great joy.

The audience showed enthusiastic support, and I love to see the accomplished exuberance the kids exude when we all visit in the lobby after the show. They worked hard, and deserve to celebrate. I’m very proud of them!

Thank you to Gretchen for her talent and care; our skilled performance crew; Circle in the Square; TUHS; NY City Council and District 5 Council Member Julie Menin; the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs; and NYSCA for helping this program thrive this year.

Next up on my work to-do list are the summer grant applications and reports. Wishing you all an adventurous, fulfilling, and/or restful, peaceful summer. I appreciate you and your time here!

Fellow Scene Director and Teaching Artist Gretchen Schneider (left) and me after the performance.